Abstract
In recent years, the use of porcelain stoneware in building envelopes has opened new lines of research and innovation favoring energy efficiency and the reduction of environmental impacts. However, there has been little research on its relationship with light vibration and reflectivity, visual perception, and integration in the urban environment and landscape. In this study, an analysis was conducted on the production and application of crafted pieces of porcelain stoneware, shaped in spherical caps, at the headquarters of the Botín Foundation in Santander (Spain). Various enamels with an iridescent-nacreous finish and metallic reflection were applied to the stoneware to generate a vibrant skin that would constantly change with natural light and the environment. A vitrification and metal deposition process were designed through successive applications of enamels and firings. The physico-chemical properties of the enameling and the microcracking factors that produced the iridescent effect were characterized. A colorimetric characterization was performed evaluating the goniochromatic or iridescent colors, measuring the spectral radiance factor of the light, and comparing these results with other ceramic pieces.
Highlights
In recent decades, the ceramic industry has succeeded in renewing itself by transforming all its manufacturing processes and recovering the sector’s characteristic innovative and technological nature.A renewal of this kind had not taken place since the end of the 19th century
Following a period in which glazed ceramic was confined to bathrooms and kitchens, glazed ceramic and porcelain stoneware are being applied to most architectural elements, especially in façade claddings [1]
This study focuses on the iridescent effect of the ceramic tiles of the Fundación Botín building enclosure in Santander (Spain), designed by the architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2017
Summary
The ceramic industry has succeeded in renewing itself by transforming all its manufacturing processes and recovering the sector’s characteristic innovative and technological nature. When observing the evolution of the industrial process, the turning point can be defined as the leading role of firing systems, the production revolution consisting of including single-deck kilns and the arrival of natural gas in the industry (1980–1993) [6] Over this same period, innovations have taken place regarding the processes of clay wet grinding and atomization; the third-firing ancillary industry has emerged; new means of printing [7], cutting, etc. The inclusion of these new processes, and the huge levels of competitiveness reached over the 1994–2004 decade, have established the necessary foundations for mastering techniques to serve projects, laying techniques have notably improved and, linked to this research, new glazing techniques and surface treatments have been generated [8] This new generation of ceramic materials is manifest in major, world-renowned architectural works: the Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona (Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue), the Spanish pavilion at the Aichi Expo (Alejandro Zaera and Farshid Moussavi), Les Logements. The results obtained were compared with other ceramic tiles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
